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Elma M. Rakestraw

8/2/2013 10:15:23 AM

Elma M. Rakestraw, 95, of Annawan passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Hammond-Henry Hospital Emergency Room, Geneseo. A funeral mass celebrating her life will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, August 4, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Annawan. Father Mark Miller will celebrate. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Atkinson. A visitation for Elma will be held from noon to 1pm on Sunday prior to the mass at the church. Memorials may be made to Annawan/Alba Rescue & Fire Department. The Vandemore Funeral Home Ltd., Atkinson is assisting the family with arrangements.

Elma was born March 18, 1918 in Kewanee, IL, the daughter of Edward and Hortence (Dumolyn) Mariman. She was united in marriage to Horace E. “Jigs” Rakestraw in May of 1935 in Annawan, IL. He preceded her in death in 1977. Elma worked at the Annawan High School Cafeteria. She was receptionist/ cashier at the Farmers Table, Annawan.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Annawan and the Altar & Rosary Society. She belonged to the VFW Auxiliary as well as the American Legion Auxiliary. Elma loved spending time with all her grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing cards, sewing, knitting, jigsaw puzzles, and reading. She was an avid Cub fan.

Elma is survived by her daughter Roberta (Larry) Wetzel, Prophetstown, IL; 10 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; 21 great great grandchildren (with 2 more on the way).

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Horace; 2 sons and 1 daughter-in-law: Russell and Delores Rakestraw and Roger Rakestraw ; and 1 granddaughter Roxanne Heath; and 5 sisters.